Each travel class has its own flight attendants. Common travel classes on an airplane are economy, first and business classes. Sometimes business class is offered on a flight in lieu of first class, meaning that the flight attendants in this cabin are expected to give customers exquisite service. While economy cabin flight attendants offer basic services to travelers, business class attendants are expected to meet a higher customer standard.

Cabin Safety

The first responsibility of a business class flight attendant is to ensure the safety of the cabin and everyone inside of it. This means securing all carry-on items in overhead bins and making sure that the bins lock, checking each traveler's seat to make sure that each person has a seat belt on, items are stowed during takeoff and that the seats are in the appropriate position for takeoff and landing. Business class flight attendants review safety information with passengers and are prepared to answer any questions about safety procedures on the plane during takeoff, flight and landing. The business class flight attendants also communicate with the pilot and co-pilot and provide them with anything they need throughout the flight.

Customer Service

Business class passengers expect a high level of customer service while onboard the aircraft. It is up to the business class flight attendants to provide personalized service to the passengers in their cabin. This service typically includes greeting each passenger and assisting with luggage storage. Flight attendants bring a beverage to each passenger prior to takeoff and provide any in-flight amenities such as pillows, blankets and eye masks. Business class flight attendants also serve meals in-flight and note any passenger preferences or food and beverage requests.

Emergency Situations

One of the more serious responsibilities of business class flight attendants is to handle emergency situations that can arise on the plane. Examples of emergency situations include unexpected detours and plane landings, rough weather and passenger illness. In these situations the flight attendants must first ensure the safety of all of the passengers in the business class cabin. If a passenger is ill, the flight attendant notifies the captain and does everything possible to make the passenger comfortable until the plane lands. In the event of an emergency landing, the flight attendant must secure the business class cabin, make sure that all passengers are accounted for and securely fastened in their seats and then secure themselves. Once the plane has landed the attendants are responsible for guiding all business class passengers to the exits and handing out any necessary equipment, such as flotation devices.

Work Life

The work life of a business class flight attendant varies by month. Most airlines schedule flight attendants a month in advance with a few on call in case another business class attendant cannot make a scheduled shift. Business class flight attendants may be required to work for up to 16 hours or more at a time on a single flight. On shorter routes flight attendants may have several different flights in a day. Business class flight attendants are required to maintain professional grooming throughout the flight. When working in the business class cabin flight attendants may encounter high profile passengers such as business people and celebrities, requiring them to maintain a professional attitude and respect for the passengers at all times.

About the Author

Residing in Los Angeles, Kristin Swain has been a professional writer since 2008. Her experience includes finance, travel, marketing and television. Swain holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Georgia State University.